“The committee decided that in order for MPs to be able to speak freely about the situation, the journalists should not be allowed to attend,” said committee head Reda Fahmy, adding that regulations give MPs the right to hold closed committee meetings.

Addressing journalists, MP Mamdouh Ramzy said, “You write irresponsible words and transfer only what you find in line with your own desires, distorting our image before the people.”

Fahmy instructed the secretaries not to admit journalists, and said that a statement would be released outlining what was discussed at the meeting.